Back to 2022- Jaida Lee- the first female to pitch in Canada Games men's competition.

Jaida Lee, 17, who hails from Vancouver Island in British Columbia, was recruited by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) to join the BC Provincial Team. She is the first woman ever to do so.

Lee was welcomed with open arms by her teammates and coaches, who had no doubts about her ability to compete at a high level with the male players. Her coach, Lou Eftoda, stated “It no longer matters whether Jaida is a man or a woman – she’s just one of us now. Jaida has proved that she can play at this level and more importantly, that she belongs here."

Lee’s historic moment in the Canada Games was celebrated by WAGE, who described her as a pioneering young athlete for gender equality in Canadian sport. Jaida’s courageous move to join the male competition made history and further illustrates that when given the opportunity, women can compete at the highest levels of any sport.

Jaida Lee is an inspiration to all aspiring female athletes in Canada and is a great example of what can be achieved when we create more equal opportunities for everyone. Her break-through performance will surely influence the future generations to come.

The 2022 Canada Summer Games marks Jaida Lee’s entrance into sporting history, and she has become an icon of gender equality in Canadian sports. She is an inspiration to all aspiring female athletes and has opened the door for more women to join male competitions in the future. Jaida Lee’s courage and determination will be remembered for years to come.